Yolanda Saldívar Parole Denied: Selena's Family Reacts 30 Years Later

It’s hard to believe that, 30 years later, we still feel pangs of disbelief when we remember how Selena’s life was brutally cut short by someone she once loved. She was at the height of her career, remarkably talented, and incredibly beautiful. 

For the first time since that awful day, Selena’s killer, Yolanda Saldívar, came up for parole. Yet, on Thursday, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles released a statement saying a three-person panel has decided against release. 

Selena's Killer Yolanda Saldívar Denied Parole 30 Years Later, Family Responds

Parole for singer Selena's killer was unanimously denied, based on a thorough review of several different elements, including court documents, criminal history, confidential reviews, and a statement provided by Saldívar herself. 

The Board of Pardons and Paroles’ press release read as follows:

"The record indicates that the instant offense has elements of brutality, violence, assaultive behavior or conscious selection of victim’s vulnerability, indicating a conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others, such that the offender poses a continuing threat to public safety."

Surely, Saldívar was disappointed, but she won’t have to wait another 30 years to come up for parole again. The statement also indicated that she will have another chance for a parole review in March 2030. 

How Did Selena Quintanilla Die?

Selena's killer, Yolanda Saldívar, started out as a Selena fan, establishing a fan club in Texas. Over time, she wheasled her way into Selena’s life, eventually becoming a paid staff member of Selena’s fan club and chain of boutiques. 

Being a manipulative woman, she was kind to Selena, but abusive to staff members in the fan club and boutiques. Over time, her menacing ways expanded, and she started extorting money from Selena’s enterprises to the tune of over $60,000. 

When Selena’s father found out, he took steps to remove Saldívar from her position, which, of course, sent her into a rage. Selena, being a kind-hearted person, didn’t want things to end badly with Saldívar and went to the motel she was staying in to speak with her. 

When they began to argue, Saldívar pulled out a gun and threatened Selena with it. As Selena tried to run away, Saldívar shot her in the back, severing an artery, and, within a short amount of time, Selena bled out and died. 

So, when people ask, “What happened to Selena Perez’s killer?” the answer is that she rightfully remains behind bars. 

How Did the Family Respond?

Singer Selena’s death must continue to haunt her family, as well. They were very close, and she was only 23. When they received the news that Saldívar was denied parole, they said:

"Today, we are grateful that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has chosen to deny parole for Yolanda Saldívar. While nothing can bring Selena back, this decision reaffirms that justice continues to stand for the beautiful life that was taken from us and from millions of fans around the world far too soon.

Selena’s legacy is one of love, music, and inspiration. She lived with joy, gave selflessly, and continues to uplift generations with her voice and her spirit," it continued. "As her family and loved ones, we remain committed to preserving her memory and ensuring that her story is honored with the dignity and respect it deserves."

No doubt, their feelings are shared by people all over the world. 

Let’s See What Happens in 2030

Saldívar is 64 years old. By the time she comes up for parole again, she’ll be in her early 70s. Let’s see what happens when she comes up for parole again. It seems unlikely that much will change because her “conscious disregard for the lives, safety, or property of others” might still make her a threat to public safety. But, stranger things have happened. 

Stick with us, as we monitor this entertainment story, and all the others about our favorite musicians, TV, and film stars. Perhaps we can all honor Selena’s legacy by queuing up a playlist on Spotify and watching Jennifer Lopez’s extraordinary depiction of her in the 1997 film, Selena.